The most awaited rowing race in Venice, Italy is happening this year on September 1. The Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) is the main race in Venezia’s calendar. There are around 120 races in the city from April to September and the Regata Storica is the most famous of them all. This spectacular yearly event takes place on the world famous Grand Canal of this glorious Italian city.
Royalty and city officials participate in this magnificent yearly reconstruction of what is considered one of the most important cultural events in Venice. If you can’t get enough of Venice, its canals, and its boats, then the Regata Storica is an event you can’t miss.
Historical parade
The 792-year old boat race is typically preceded by a parade of elaborately carved water vessels. The parade’s splendor is unlike any other. Gondoliers in period garb parade 16th-century boats throughout the city. The picturesque historical procession of boats manned by locals in colorful costume consists mostly of the Bissone and Bucintoro types. The grand Bucintoro boat is at the very head of the parade.
Venice was once a very powerful Maritime republic. It dominated the Mediterranean as a seafaring city. Modern-day races are done to commemorate the arrival in 1489 of the wife of the King of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro. This woman renounced her throne in favor of Venezia. Her decision was important in establishing Venezia’s rule in the Mediterranean Sea.
The main race of the year
For avid racers, there are four contests to participate in. Each competition has subdivisions by type of boat and age of contestant. Spectators are particularly looking forward to the Grand Canal race of champion gondolas. The race starts at the Castello area and then moves westward. At the former convent of Santa Chiara, the boats turn around for the last mad dash to the finish. The race ends at the floating stage fronting the Ca ‘Foscari palace. Shouts of excitement and encouragement punctuate the whole race. Residents of Venice as well as tourists vie for front row seats along the spectacularly decorated route.
Extremely challenging races
Participation in the Regata Storica is exclusive to Venetians. It is a great honor for Venetians to participate and win in the races. Non-residents of the city are not allowed to join in the races. Crowds line the banks of the canals that serve as Venice’s streets. Locals and tourists also get prime seats on floating stands or on boats moored along the route. If you wish to take part as a spectator, then Venice’s doors is open. Each year, many tourists flock to the city to witness the races.
The first rowing race is on the two-oared papurini. This race is for young rowers. The second race is for women and they use another two-oared boat, the light mascareti. The third race is for men only on the seaborne caorline, a heavy boat with six oars that is snub-nosed and broad. The fourth race and the climax of the event is on the famous Venetian gondolini.
Photo Credit: Regata Storica 2008 parade participants in historical costume
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